Badgering: Finn Gessner
October 11, 2017 | Men's Cross Country, Andy Baggot, Varsity Magazine
Freshman distance runner shares story behind his name, his pre-race routine and his favorite possession
 |
||
|
BY ANDY BAGGOT
UWBadgers.com Insider
MADISON, Wis. — When the Wisconsin men's cross country team lines up for the ninth annual Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational Friday at the Zimmer Championship Course, true freshman Finn Gessner will be among those trying to make a name for himself on the big stage. The former Madison La Follette High School standout should have lots of supporters on hand to make the event memorable. Gessner took time this week to discuss his unique pre-race routine, his favorite quote from UW Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Mick Byrne and his most cherished possession.
Is there a story behind your first name?
"Kind of. My mom and dad really liked the name, but my grandparents didn't at all. When I was born, I don't know if it was the day after, my grandma called my dad pretty upset that they named me Finn and wanted them to switch it. But my parents liked it too much."
The Badgers welcome the nation's best runners to Madison on Friday for the NuttyInvite!
— Badger Track & Field (@BadgerTrackXC) Oct. 11, 2017
What's your favorite Mick quote?
"If you're saying something and he really doesn't care for it, he'll say, 'You're mistaking me for someone who gives a crap.'"
Do you have a pre-race routine?
"I do this thing where — for a warm-up after the initial jog — I just like to stretch out a little bit and I like sprint drills on my way to and from the port-a-potty. I've been doing it ever since I've been doing meets. So it ends up that I get to go to the port-a-potty six to 10 times."
Is there a food you like that others don't?
"I haven't met that many people that like Kombucha (fermented tea) because it smells really, really bad."
Only a couple more days until the #NuttyInvite! Fans that can't make it to Madison can watch on @FloTrack! ?? - http://bit.ly/2xsOMfP
— Badger Track & Field (@BadgerTrackXC) Oct. 10, 2017
You have to give up all your possessions but one. Which one do you keep?
"Probably my Wisconsin cross country T-shirt signed by (Badgers runner) Joe Hardy."
If you could choose to attend any sporting event in history what would it be?
"Jack Johnson vs. Jim Jeffries in 1910."
Why that heavyweight boxing match?
"The story behind the fight (Johnson was the first black world champion; Jeffries white) and Jack Johnson getting the win. It's a cool story. It's inspiring."
Your favorite class?
"Probably communication arts (because) you're giving speeches and that's kind of cool, or big bands because the music they play is really good."
Do you have a favorite website?
"Netflix."
Players Mentioned
